The dedication page at the front of my book reads:
In Memory of Clover
May 29, 2007 – September 10, 2012This book is dedicated with love and gratitude to each and every one of my readers at Chickens in the Road. You carried me through this journey on your wings of unflagging support and encouragement. Thank you always.
My book starts being available TODAY on Kindle and Nook! The print version will also start shipping soon, and will be on store shelves next week!
This book came to life because of you, all of you who were here with me all this time. I’m truly grateful, with all my heart. I never forget every kindness given to me by you. Those of you who were here all the way back to 2008 know how difficult this journey has been at times, and I hold in my heart and mind every day how you carried me, more than you knew, of which I write about in the book. You knew of the times I was poor. You never knew of the times I wanted to die and you saved me. The greatest love affair of my life is with you, my readers. “Thank you” is never enough.
And I knew you wouldn’t mind sharing the dedication page with our dear Clover.
And P.P.S. Special shout-out to Heather/Mrs. Fuzz, who was here at the farm the day Clover died. How incredible was it that when the most beloved animal on my farm had a heart attack, one of the sweetest, easily representative of all of you, reader was here on the farm with me? Life is full of a strange magic, that is all. Thank you, Heather. And thank you a thousand times over to all of you who she represents. I love you. The book is, in its most literal form, a commercial prospect, for sale. But what it is to me is a very, very long love letter of gratitude to each of you. I can never thank you enough. This is not just a website to me; it is my family.
You can order Chickens in the Road: An Adventure in Ordinary Splendor now!
wannabeafarmgirl says:
Thank You Suzanne! Thru your blog I get to live the life I always dreamed of. You show us both the fun and hard sides of such a life. I can’t wait to read your book! Best wishes for you and your family!
On October 8, 2013 at 6:20 am
Snapper119 says:
AWWWWWWW! I just want to give you ‘a noogie’ for this post. Like an annoyting little sister, because that is what families do! 😉
I CANNOT wait for my book to get here….
On October 8, 2013 at 6:54 am
Snapper119 says:
Minus the “t” in annoying of course.
On October 8, 2013 at 6:54 am
Nadeanne says:
First thing i did this morning when i woke up was turn my kindle on so I could get my pre-ordered copy! Can’t wait to start reading!
On October 8, 2013 at 8:03 am
wildcat says:
Chickens In The Road is not just a website to us either. I’ve been reading this blog for several years now, and it’s obvious that your readers have formed into a real community of true friends. We feel like we know you and your farm, and we’ve laughed and cried right along with you, all this time. We are all so proud of you – congratulations on your book coming out! Can’t wait to read it! :hug:
On October 8, 2013 at 8:04 am
Debbie in PA says:
I teared up reading your dedication yesterday. That was sweet. I look forward to getting my copy of the book
On October 8, 2013 at 8:42 am
MousE says:
Oh Suzanne, I am so grateful to YOU for sharing your life and wonderful stories. :snoopy:
On October 8, 2013 at 9:02 am
sekinkead says:
I know I cried when you told us Clover died. Your blog is one of the first ones I look at every day. After having been to a retreat and actually meeting you I feel like this is so much more than a website as well. I don’t comment much but I read every single post. I am so excited to get my copy of the book!
On October 8, 2013 at 9:06 am
MMHoney says:
Suzanne
We can walk the dark valleys and have hilltop experiences but we need a hand to help us thru it all. Been there – done that.
On October 8, 2013 at 9:26 am
Esor says:
Back at you Suzanne. Your blog and stories have taken me through some dark days in my life too. Thank you.
On October 8, 2013 at 10:06 am
Hlhohnholz says:
Ahh, Suzanne. Thank you so much for saying so. I was glad to have been there for/with you that day. It’s something that no one should go through alone. I have always been drawn to your openness-your willingness to open your life and experiences and heart to perfect strangers. It’s a rare thing, and you have always been a reminder to me that I am capable of far more than I think I am. Thank you for the time we’ve spent together, and I’m incredibly excited to see your successes. Once again, you inspire me to stretch my own limits and see what the universe has in store for me. *hugs* I can’t wait to see what else the universe has in store for you!
On October 8, 2013 at 11:16 am
Rainn says:
Oh nice dedication Suzanne….I’m so glad Heather was w you- as she said no one should have to go thru such a thing alone……..little Clover was such a huge part of your farm life. I’ve enjoyed your blog for years and loved both retreats… A toast to your continued success !! :chicken:
I need to get my book from local hometown bookseller!! Anxiously awaiting….! :snoopy:
Rain :heart:
On October 8, 2013 at 12:05 pm
Louise says:
Oh goodness. You made me cry at work again. I cried when Clover died. You will never know how very special you and your family of children and animals are to me. You have helped me so much through some hard times too. I could go to Chickens In The Road and escape for a while the problems in my own life. I had the wonderful pleasure of coming to your home last November for a workshop and meeting you and the animals. I look forward to your blog every day and I can’t wait for my book to arrive. Thank YOU so much for everything that you do. :heart:
On October 8, 2013 at 12:25 pm
SpinnersEndFarm says:
We love you too. You have also been a big help to many of us; I have a barnyard full of humming alpacas to prove it!
On October 8, 2013 at 12:26 pm
Linda Goble says:
Agree with all the other responses… You are a blessing to all of us. You are a big part of our family even though we have never met.. We love you and your family and all your critters. Sending a big hug too you!!!!! Can’t wait to read your book!!!! :happyflower:
On October 8, 2013 at 12:36 pm
mamajoseph says:
Thoroughly enjoying the book. When I read the dedication, I thought, “Of course.”
On October 8, 2013 at 12:58 pm
blabass says:
I feel the same way about you. You have literally changed my life and made me a better person. You are truly an inspiration and would love to meet you one day! Thank you for everything you have shared with all of us. And I CAN’T WAIT TO GET YOUR BOOK!!!!
On October 8, 2013 at 1:02 pm
cin13 says:
:heart:
On October 8, 2013 at 1:07 pm
cabynfevr says:
I am fighting the urge to download the book on my NOOK!! I can hardly wait for my copy to arrive!!! Thank you for all you do Suzanne :hug:
On October 8, 2013 at 2:55 pm
Dghawk says:
I thank you, also, Suzanne for sharing your wonderful, sometimes quirky, sometimes hard or sad life in the hills. Unfortunately, I’m unable to pre-order, and having to wait for it to hit the shelves is driving me mad! I just hope they will have it here in Williamsburg (I hate driving in Richmond or Newport News!). Can’t wait to read your article in the Daily Mail tomorrow. :sheep:
On October 8, 2013 at 3:32 pm
cherylinwv says:
Aww, how sweet of you…brought tears to my eyes! I read the first chapter of the book that you made available on-line and I NEED the rest of the book in my grubby little paws! 🙂 When will it be available in bookstores, the 15th? I work at the mall so I will be headed to Books-A-Million as soon as it opens!
On October 8, 2013 at 3:36 pm
bonita says:
Google’s on the mark!
Google [verb] “Chickens in the Road”. . .
Results: Blog in left hand column as usual.
New Today: Postage icon of Chickens in the Road book is in right hand ‘advert’ space. All by itself.
Suzanne, I feel the same way about you. Reading your exploits has inspired me to do things I had either set aside or never tried. tnx•10^6
On October 8, 2013 at 4:01 pm
AnnieB says:
((((((Suzanne))))))
On October 8, 2013 at 4:22 pm
Bonny says:
In every way possible, I hope that this book is a huge success for you and sells hundreds of thousands of copies. I’ve been reading since the beginning, I had no idea it was so long. I love you and you inspire me to be better. God Bless you always.
On October 8, 2013 at 4:34 pm
yvonnem says:
:heart:
On October 8, 2013 at 4:39 pm
CarrieJ says:
You have inspired me to be more than I ever thought I could be. I went from a city girl, to a small town girl, to a country girl with 20 acres and my own chickens. I’d like more, but I have to keep a day job :).
I have taken the knowledge you have imparted to me, through this website and through the 2011 Retreat and have taught my friends in the fine art of coffee roasting, soap making, cheese making, canning and many other things. I held my yearly “mini retreat” with my childhood best friend and her partner. It is always a good time had by all!
Thank you for what you have done for all of us.
RIP Clover
On October 8, 2013 at 4:49 pm
denisestone says:
Awww…. you’re welcome!
On October 8, 2013 at 9:38 pm
enjay says:
I don’t have a lot of money, but I pre-ordered the kindle version as soon as it became an option. I read it on the kindle app on my phone around chores and then reviewed it while I was in the check out line at Target, all of which was wonderfully convenient but I plan on purchasing a hard copy as soon as I can afford it. There aren’t a lot of books that I’ve wanted to have in both formats, the only other one I recall is Mastering the Art of French Cooking so you are in excellent company. I’ve been reading your blog for a very long time so I remember the stories you tell in the book from your original posts, but hearing them again made my mind flex a bit because your posts were always upbeat and in the book you share the misery laced through the happy times. My phone did suffer a bit, I tossed it on the couch in disgust at times (I don’t want to give away anything but it involved the bills, and the ram) but I picked it right back up and kept on reading. This evening, after the kids were tucked up and the dishes in the washer I took my favorite quilt out on my front porch along with the book, a glass of tea, and a plate of dessert (I didn’t have an open jar of jam) and warmed my toes on my puppy’s belly while re-reading the recipes and how-to’s and filling up on pie. Honestly, I think I’ve discovered the perfect way to read your book 🙂
On October 8, 2013 at 11:23 pm